From a Pre-op to the maintenance folks-->

I just wanted to express my sincere heartfelt gratitude for everything you all share here. I lurk and read all your posts as this is where the head-stuff is happening.. Yes, the VSG board is great to give me a heads up on my immediate future and the ups and downs of the first year or so.. but as a woman that has been obese to MO all her life and lost down to a svelteish 155, only to relapse into negative thinking and mindlessness, and regain it all.. the head is where it's at. I know this.

This is why I can say, I truly cherish your openness to share and explore the sometimes painful, and usually hidden away thoughts.. My reading list has also grown by leaps since I've been lurking.. thankfully the local library has many of them!

So, pardon the intrusion.. but I truly felt compelled to say thank you.

From the heart, Peace,
Jo

Jo, you are most welcome.  I think you are very wise to lurk here.  I wish this group was around when I was a pre-op.  I learn new things here every day too.  This really is a great group of people *****ally understand that this is a life long learning process. So many new people think that the surgery will fix their obesity forever, it is not until maintenance that many get that this really is just one more tool and nothing else.  You get it already.  You are way ahead of the game.  Good for you.

I'm not at "maintenance"....but  you're welcome!  Like Elina said......smart strategy lurking here.  Losing it is the battle.....maintenance is the war!  Good luck! 

I think its a wonderful idea to read and learn as much as you can, things that you learn here you may not see on the main board...

But its good going in knowing that things change as you get our further, and that really the early times of losing are so important...

as Elina said it would have been nice to have a place to lurk like this when we were pre op and post op, all the things we learn build to make our tool stronger..

I wish you the best as you move forward to your journey..

Hi Jo,

You are most welcome!  It is interesting to think of the lurkers out there, most times when I post I am posting for this group.  It is an eye opener to think some newbies may be out there reading too.  Very cool!

This is going to sound crazy, but I just wanted to mention I love the way you write, very articulate and from the heart... sweet...

Glad you are finding some of the books we mention on here, they have really helped me work on my head, while I am working on my body...  some really great reads!

Stop by anytime, you don't have to be in maintenance to participate here, everyone is welcome!

Big hugs and it is great to meet you!

Cindy

I want to echo Jo's thoughts .... I know maintainence is the real battle ground and that the weight loss phase is much about building long terms habits & mindset as it is about weight loss.  I've gotten down to 150 in my teens, twenties, and more than once in my 30s, but have never held it ... I totally appreciate the discussions that happen here ... It does so much to make me feel "normal" and  accept that this is a life issue that I will always have to deal deal with.